Vortex Film Festival

Our festival mission is to create a community of area cinema enthusiasts and filmmakers of all experience levels for networking, support, and inspiration. Vortex showcases movies produced by regional Midwest filmmakers and filmed in South Dakota and neighboring states.

VORTEX 2: BIGGER. BADDER. VORTEXIER.

Join us for the second annual Vortex Film Festival, September 26–28, 2025! It’s a full weekend celebration of Midwest cinema and filmmakers, and it’s gonna be rad.

Whether you’re a filmmaker, film-lover, or just looking for something different in Vermillion, this festival is for YOU. Come support creative talent and experience film the way it was meant to be seen—on the big screen, surrounded by community.

Marquee feature tickets are available on the Coyote Twin main page, passes are linked below. Follow @vortexfilmfest on Facebook and Instagram for updates, film lineup announcements, and sneak peeks.

Vortex Film Festival is supported in part by a grant from the South Dakota Arts Council. South Dakota Arts Council support is provided with funds from the State of South Dakota, through the Department of Tourism, and the National Endowment for the Arts.

VERMILLION

Vermillion is nestled in the southeast corner of South Dakota, not far from the Missouri River. It’s the homeland of the Lakota Wasé Wakpa community, seat of Clay County, and location of the National Music Museum and flagship institution University of South Dakota. We are just 1 hour south of Sioux Falls, 40 mins from Sioux City, and an easy 2 hours from Omaha.

Vermillion’s bustling downtown features several local eateries, a lot of USD Coyote Spirit, and the Coyote Twin Theater, of course. Download the LiveVermillion mobile app to start planning your trip!

THE COYOTE TWIN

10 E. Main Street
A dedicated cinema for over a century, the Coyote Twin is an entirely nonprofit theater that screens current feature films and hosts special screenings and private rentals.

Our two auditoriums seat a combined total of 228 persons and feature industry standard digital projection and newly updated Dolby speakers. In 2023 we refreshed our lobby and concessions area for improved customer service, and as of 2025, our auditoriums both feature state of the art laser projection.

Click here for theater accessibility details.

SUPPORT THE FEST

Join us in promoting the art and crafting of filmmaking! With your sponsorship or in-kind donation we can foster the creation and passion of filmmaking in South Dakota. Click image for sponsorship level details. 

Become a Festival Sponsor Among other perks, our sponsors will receive great publicity before, during, and after our festival.

Sponsor an Individual Event The festival offers the opportunity for filmmakers to network during the opening reception, panel discussions, and workshops. You can sponsor a workshop or block.

Make an In-kind Contribution Your in-kind donation can assist in providing food and gifts to filmmakers, or offering attendees perks at local businesses throughout the weekend.

Email events@vermculture.org with your in-kind idea or sponsorship interest!